Mountable and adjustable aerodynamic antenna apparatus and method

Abstract

A mountable and adjustable antenna apparatus (1000) and a method (M) involving a top housing member (100), a bottom housing member (200), and an antenna assembly (300) being disposed within the top housing member (100), the top housing member (100) being in rotatable relation to the bottom housing member (200), and the antenna assembly (300) being in fixed relation to the top housing member (100). The top housing member (100) has an aerodynamic configuration for reducing drag on, and for eliminating fatigue as well as flutter of, the antenna assembly (300).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to antenna apparatuses and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to antenna apparatuses and methods for vehicles. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to mountable and adjustable antenna apparatuses and methods for vehicles. BACKGROUND ART [0002] A common current vehicle antenna in the related art is an antenna rod which is fastened to a base in a ball and socket configuration, i.e., the ball is disposed at the proximal end of the antenna for universal pivoting on the socket which is mounted to the base. One such apparatus comprises a socket having a plurality of slots within which the antenna may be radially disposed by user-selection. Another apparatus is window-mountable and comprises an outer cover being disposed at the base of the antenna and having a cross section being elongated in the direction of the vehicle's travel, the cover including an enlarged section covering a loading coil for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is the protection of the antenna assembly, containing the delicate antenna circuitry, from corrosion, short-circuiting, fatigue, accidental damage, and vandalism. Other advantages include optimization of the signal transmission and the reduction of drag on, and the elimination of fatigue as well as flutter of, the antenna assembly. Further advantages include the enabling of rapid adjustment of the antenna assembly by the user and an omni-directional radiation pattern which allows any orientation of the antenna assembly without adversely affecting performance. Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent, in the section entitled “Modes for Carrying out the Invention,” disclosed, infra.

Problems solved by technology

However, these related art antennas remain exposed to hazards, such as corrosion, accidental structural damage, vandalism, drag, fatigue, and flutter.

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